Energy Efficiency

Mission: Provide residents and businesses with information on energy efficiencies in new and existing buildings in order to save money & reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources.  Goals:

Educate people on how to integrate energy efficient upgrades and renovations in existing structures;
  • Provide information on energy/cost saving practices. Actions - Introduction of Elevate Energy programs to residents
  • Encourage the city & schools to cut fossil fuel energy use in their buildings to quickly decrease greenhouse gas emissions.  EESP confirmed support for Energy Benchmarking in  Public & Multi Unit Buildings 
  • Promote the development of local businesses & services in the community & encourage local walking, local shopping; EESP collaboration with Chambers of Commerce & Public Officials on GoEdgewater local community tours
  • Work with developers & public officials to encourage building  LEED certified developments. (collaborate with Planning & Development); EESP Guidelines published. Plus volunteers do ongoing consulting work with public officials
  • Work with non profit groups, government and lending institutions to create pools and funding vehicles for residents and businesses to implement energy efficient changes.  Voted support for State's Clean Jobs Bill which was passed.​ 
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Elevate Energy provides free energy evaluations for homeowners & businesses. To access details on their services go to:
 http://www.elevateenergy.org/  

In addition, Elevate Energy recently published research reports. The following include links for reference and as a resource as all of us consider issues relating to energy and sustainability in our communities. 
  • Chicago Energy Insecurity factsheet: Nearly 90 percent of lower-income homeowners in Chicago report being energy insecure, or being without access to affordable and reliable energy sources to heat and power their homes.
  • Chicago Energy Insecurity Report: Energy Insecurity Among Chicago Homeowners: A Picture of Families Struggling to Keep Up --- This white paper details the results of a survey and qualitative interviews with lower-income Chicago homeowners.
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Energy Efficiency Team
Tom Murphy                                                                           <tjm2040@rcn.com>
Jim Nelson
Brian Haag
Renee Patten
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